Super Whatnot - 48 Burnett Lane, Brisbane CBD

A few months back I had heard of a new lane way bar. I'll openly admit after having 3 children I'm not much of a drinker so bars in general don't appeal to me on the same level as places to eat... This was a bit different though. The moment I saw a picture of the front coupled with an intriguing name like Super Whynot... I was very interested. I also love the fact it's in the revamped Burnett Lane.

Many many years ago possibly close to 10 I remember a friend taking me to St Jeromes in Melbourne. All I could think was why does Brisbane not have places like this? Finally though Brisbane seems to be getting with the times.

In fact this part of Burnett lane had been a favourite of mine to shoot portraits of my children. I've always been drawn to that small space due to the wood and brick work and always wondering what was behind that wooden door. To my surprise though this is here now but without desecrating the history of the area instead inhancing it by carrying that theme through the newly refurbished building.

When I walked in around 12:30ish I was the only person apart from the owner and staff... I liked that. Today was about the first day I had entirely to myself in 2 years sans children. So imagine my delight when I find I'm alone and I can hear only my own thoughts haha. I wouldn't get too excited if you love solace because this is only their first week doing lunch. If their night life is going to set any precedent it's going to get busy. For that reason I think you guys should check it out while you can still get a seat because I predict lunchtimes will become quite popular here.

When I enter a cafe/bar my first impressions are always lasting and I was super impressed with SWN... I like to take photos that strike me in sense of lines, light and connection, always looking for that photographic trifecta. The architecture of this building is faultless with beautiful lines and finishes. The lighting has been very well planned out. A lot of thought has been put into the ambience of SWN. I think it almost has that house boat kind of feel too which I loved.

SWN were also all super friendly and eager to talk about this place with an obvious passion to be there. They were eager to tell me about the architecture, food and even the trinkets like the hand beaded Mexican Day of the Dead skulls. It really was the perfect place to finally get some quiet time to myself and I wish I could come more often.

The menu is not hugely extensive but after all they are a bar so man attraction is their craft beers and cocktails. I have heard some say the meals are not huge but I think for me they were just the right serving. I've always been one to go by the old adage it's quality not quantity.

 The menu seems to be a bit eclectic a little european, a little mexican but the rustic value of all the meals certainly ties them in together without making it feel like a mix mash. I have no complaints about the Cuban Pork sandwich. The flavours in this sandwich were all very distinct but without being over powering they worked well together. At $12 I also found it to be pretty reasonable. I watched a few other dishes go out after I'd finished my meal and I think they looked just as good as what I'd already eaten.

Overall I had a really good experience here and highly recommend this place. I always say that Brisbane needs more places like this but it's the truth. I think when you can come and eat a lovely meal in a beautiful place like this why would you want to sit in a food court eating something that isn't even half as fresh as what comes out of the kitchen here. Plus I saw a group of women with a pram and they were more than accommodating for the idle child. Get in before it gets too busy!

Shucked Coffee House - 9 Cresswell Street, Newstead

So after yesterday's blog I thought it was about time I got back into it... I'd also heard many awesome things about Shucked but this time my experience was a lot more positive than my last review. I have been a bit under impressed with the itties of late so have not really taken them anywhere in a month... It definitely showed today but I think it's just getting back into that loop and getting them used to eating out again.

It's been raining a lot here this week and what better else to do than go eat... So we headed off to Newstead to have a look at Shucked. At first when I drove into the industrial area I did think hmmm is it actually here or did I read the address wrong. It was actually there though and parking was quite trying. I drove around the block 4 times with no luck of getting a park close by in this rain. There were parks around the area but nothing within dry walking distance. Now I don't advocate breaking the law but I was desperate to check out Shucked so I just parked in a sort of clearway... If you know me you know I never ever park illegally out of fear and paranoia so I was pretty desperate.

I loved Shucked the moment I laid eyes on it and was very impressed even at the sight. It was big, roomy, had a box of toys, highchairs and even quite a large space in the undercover lane way with bright painted murals where your children had plenty of room to move around. My parents had a lot of 70's style furniture growing up and we also visited a lot of my parents friends with 70's decked out houses so it quite reminded me of my own childhood. There is a certain sweetness about this place that's kind of like popping over to your Nan's house for a cup of tea and homemade sweets... The staff were just as sweet as Nan too!

I was so paranoid about illegally parking and the fact I probably had to high tail it out of there quickly so I only ended up ordering a quick wrap and some desserts. As other patrons delicious breakfasts came out I looked on in envy. However the wrap was a nice healthy option given I'm still on this 12wbt diet and I did have a small taste test of the treats I bought the children. The lemon curd cheesecake and fig and pear tart were amazing... Nash really enjoyed the Banana and Walnut Muffin too.

Although I had the pleasure of dining with a unicorn and butterfly the fact these two had not been to a cafe in a while showed. They were noisy, loud, messy and I was apologetic. The great thing though was the staff were ever so lovely and understanding. The fact they had high chairs, toys, books and plenty of space told me they were very welcoming of little ones here so don't be afraid if you do have to bring a little person along. My anxiety and unrelaxed state had more to do with my nervousness of parking choices though.

I really loved Shucked and I absolutely can't wait to come back and try the breakfast (when I'm off this diet) and of course I will park properly next time so I can actually enjoy this space. Shucked is definitely worth a visit if you haven't been particularly with children. The pictures were also very rushed and in haste so I would love to come back and get the shots I didn't get to take too.